2018 Isuzu D-Max LST VS Nissan Navara ST-X Comparison Review

Which Ute is Best Isuzu D Max or Nissan Navara

Isuzu D-Max LST VS Nissan Navara ST-X Overview

Both the Isuzu D-Max LST and the Nissan Navara ST-X have undergone an upgrade release in the last 12 months. These two Utes are so close in features, safety and price that it is natural to compare them.

The world of dual cab Utes has undergone a massive transformation over the last 5-6 years, starting with the revolution on 2011/2012 with the introduction of the Isuzu D Max, Holden Colorado, Mazda BT 50 and Ford Ranger.

The dual cab Utes on the market today, especially the top of the range models, are a far cry to the farm Ute I grew up with. These days they are the Swiss army knife of the motoring world. They are utilised as a work Ute during the week, a towing vehicle, a family run-around and an off road truck or touring vehicle as well.

For the most part here at OzRoamer, we focus on the Utes ability to be the Swiss Army Knife, with the lifestyle aspects taking precedence in the choice factors.

Isuzu D-Max LST VS Nissan Navara ST-X Exterior

Both the Isuzu and Nissan follow the softer, streamlined design philosophy. They both have a sleek bonnet and grill, with LED headlights and DRL’s.

They both feature roof rails, running boards and sports bars in the tub.

Isuzu

Nissan

D Max

Navara

LST

ST-X

External Features

Headlights

BI-LED

LED

DRL

LED

LED

Auto levelling feature

Y

Manual

Foglights

Y

Y

Wheels/Tyres

255/60/R18

255/60 R18

Under-body impact protection

Y

Y

Isuzu D-Max LST VS Nissan Navara ST-X Interior

Internally the two Utes differ slightly. It appears that the Isuzu is more aimed at the worker and has softened the interior, whereas the Navara is approaching from the recreational end first.

Both Utes are very comfortable inside with subtle differences.

Where the Isuzu has hard surfaces, like on the centre console bin top, where you rest your elbow, the Navara has more soft touch feel. Where you rest your arms, elbows etc are a softer feel in the Navara.

The Isuzu has leather seats as standard, where it is an option on the Navara for some $1500 extra. This does however, include seat warmers. The seats are a little more comforting in the Navara.

One day Manufacturers will include A/C seats as well. Better suited for Australian Conditions.

Neither vehicle has a reach adjustable steering wheel, however the Navara feels closer to the driver when at full seat travel for taller drivers. I prefer the thicker wheel of the Isuzu, it just feels better in the hands.

Both vehicles have the handy pull out cup/bottle holder below the A/C vents. The centre cup holders in the Navara are a little bigger as is the centre console bin. However there are more storage areas in the Isuzu.

The Navara has a few more little comfort features, like heated external rear view mirrors, electrochromatic rear view mirror, The Isuzu has a larger centre stack screen, but the buttons are fiddlier than the Navara. The Isuzu also has Apple Car Play and Android Auto which is a bonus.

Rear seat room is much the same in both, but the Navara has large air vents back there.

As far as internal noise goes there are two schools of thought. Some owners like the diesel rumble, it makes them feel they are driving a Ute, others like a quieter car like interior, like the Navara. The Navara is definitely quieter on the road, with less wind, engine and road noise for the passengers.

Isuzu

Nissan

D Max

Navara

LST

ST-X

Internal Features

Leather seating

Y

Y Opt

Electronic drivers seat

Y

Y Opt

Reach adj steering

N

N

Steering wheel controls

Y

Y

Climate Control AC

Y

Y

Heated front seats

N

Y Opt

Electrochromatic rear view mirror

N

Y

Heated external mirrors

N

Y

Auto Headlights

N

N

Auto Wipers

N

Y

Power windows

Y

Y

Sat Nav

Y

Y

Centre stack screen

8″

7″

Android / Apple play

Y

N

Roof mounted DVD

Y

N

Remote Start

N

N

Push button start

Y

Y

Isuzu D-Max LST VS Nissan Navara ST-X Engine and Drivetrain

In real world conditions, there is imperceptible differences between these two vehicles. Both can tow heavy trailers without fuss. Both bring their torque in low down for relaxed driving and economy.

The Navara has a 7 speed AT which makes the driving slightly smoother and quieter, but the engine seems to work slightly harder.

The difference in fuel economy is nothing and is negated by a driver’s right boot.

Either vehicle is more than adequate for their intended purposes.

Isuzu

Nissan

D Max

Navara

LST

ST-X

RDAP

$59,531

$57,842

Euro5

Yes

Yes

Engine

3.0 L

2.3L

4Cyl

4 Cyl

Power

130 kW @ 3600 rpm

140kW @ 3750rpm

Torque

430 Nm @ 2000 rpm

450Nm @ 1500-2500rpm

Transmission

6 SP AT

7 SP AT

4WD System

Terrain Command

Electronic Select Shift

Rear diff lock

N

Yes

Rear LSD

N

N

Fuel Economy ADR

7.9 L/100K

7.0 L/100K

Fuel tank capacity

76L

80L

Isuzu D-Max LST VS Nissan Navara ST-X Dimensions

Again there are such minor differences between these two vehicles that you are measuring in mm to see it.

One thing to note though is that Nissan has a maximum 300kg tow ball rating and that is dependent upon the payload. The more payload used the less the tow ball rating. This is a limiting factor when towing and fully loaded for touring etc.

Remember if you exceed your vehicles tow ball rating or GCM then not only are you operating a potentially unsafe vehicle, exceeding what the manufacturer states is safe, but you are also voiding your warranty and insurance.

Isuzu

Nissan

D Max

Navara

LST

ST-X

Dimensions

Overall Length mm

5295

5255

Wheelbase mm

3095

3150

Width mm

1860

1850

Height

1855

1780

Kerb Weight Kg

2026

1949

GVM Kg

2950

2910

GCM Kg

5950

5910

Payload Kg

924

961

Towing max Kg

3500

3500

Max Ball Kg

350

Max 300^^

Approach Angle

30*

33.2*

Rampover

22.4*

24.7*

Departure Angle

22.7*

28.2*

Ground Clearance mm^

235

230

Wading depth mm

500

TBC

Turning circle m

12.6

12.4

^Unladen

^^Nissan Tow ball rating depends on the payload on board

Isuzu D-Max LST VS Nissan Navara ST-X Safety

Both of these Utes have an ANCAP 5 Star safety rating. Both lag behind the Holden Colorado that takes the honours currently for Ute safety.

Isuzu

Nissan

D Max

Navara

LST

ST-X

Safety

ANCAP

5 Star

5 Star

Anti-skid Brake System (ABS)

Y

Y

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

Y

Y

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

Y

Y

Traction Control System (TCS)

Y

Y

Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

Y

Y

Rear Disc Brakes

N

N

Roll Over Mitigation (ROM)

N

N

Forward Collision Alert (FCA

N

N

Lane Departure Warning (LDW)

N

N

Tyre Pressure Monitoring

N

N

Trailer Sway Control (TSC)

N

N

Hill Start Assist (HSA)

Y

Y

Hill Descent Control (HDC)

Y

Y

Blind spot warning

Y

Y

Driver & front passenger SRS airbags

Y

Y

Driver & front passenger side SRS airbags

Y

Y

Curtain SRS airbags

Y

Y

Driver knee airbag

Y

Y

Reversing camera

Y

Y

Rear park assist sensors

Y

Y

Front Park assist sensors

N

Y

Side anti-intrusion bars inside all doors

Y

Y

Engine immobilizer

Y

Y

Anti-theft alarm

Y

Y

ISOFIX child restraint anchor point

Y

Y

Isuzu D-Max LST VS Nissan Navara ST-X Warranty and Service

Isuzu

Nissan

D Max

Navara

LST

ST-X

Warranty years

5 years

3 Years

Warranty KM

130,000

100,000

Road side assist

5 / 130,000

3/100,000

Servicing

5 Yrs or 50,000 Km

TBC

Isuzu D-Max LST VS Nissan Navara ST-X Conclusion

So here we have two of the best options for dual cab Ute buyers.

The Isuzu is almost indestructible. The engine has been proven over many years in their light truck series. It is robust, practical with some comfort features. It is Ute like.

The Navara has a softer ride and handling and is oriented more towards car like features. They used to be indestructible, lost their way and are now back in business.

Pick either and you will be happy.

You can make of the information what you will. The argument about which Ute is best depends on where in the product cycle the Ute is, what is important to you and how much money you have to spend.

I hope you can use the information to assist you in your buying decision.

Isuzu D-Max LST vs Nissan Navara ST-X

4.0

Summary

Both the Isuzu D-Max LST and the Nissan Navara ST-X have undergone an upgrade release in the last 12 months. These two Utes are so close in features, safety and price that it is natural to compare them.

Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director
Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, many years ago. He has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then.
Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures.
He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive.

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